This combination journal-devotional features writings from Charles H. Spurgeon, more popularly known in the 1800’s as the “prince of preachers.” He pastored the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London, the “mega church” of his time for over thirty years, spoke to over 10 million people in his lifetime and left behind more than sixty volumes of written work.

Although he lived from 1834 to 1892, his writings are as fresh and relevant today as when he penned the words over a hundred years ago.

Spurgeon followed the reformed Baptist tradition and opposed the liberal tendencies he saw within the church of his day. His powerful sermons, often given more than ten times a week, drew crowds numbering in the thousands because of his “…penetrating thought, precise exposition and oratory skills.”

Strengthen My Spiritis a lightly edited collection of 180 of Spurgeon’s devotionals from that era. Each two-page spread includes a bible verse, brief message and space to journal your thoughts.Topics include God’s peace, hope, fear and many more.

For example, in the devotion “New Heart,” Spurgeon draws on Ezekiel 36:26 NIV, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.” The message is about Christ’s gift of a “new heart and new core.” Unlike a tree whose branch is cut off, Spurgeon writes, “…the tree doesn’t get a new sap or core…,” only humans are made into new creatures when they accept Christ.

Another is about “God, Our Refuge” where he uses Deut. 33:27 NKJV, “The eternal God is your refuge” for his theme. The biblical word “refuge may be translated “mansion” or “abiding place.” Which is all about God being “…our abode, our home.”

Spurgeon struggled with hardships similar to the thousands he preached to, such as loss, depression, personal and family illnesses all while leading the largest church of his time. His keen insights gave hope and strength for the people of his day who suffered adversity. Just as his words did then, they can do again today for readers of Strengthen My Spirit.

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Gail's articles and book reviews appear in MIDWEST BOOK REVIEWS among other national and local publications on the Internet and in print media. She loves to read, and believes God teaches and instructs her in which way to go, according to Jeremiah 29:11. She and her husband live beside the Skagit River in Washington state.